Easy-to-Open Medication Packaging
Some medication containers and calendar packs can be difficult to open, particularly for people with arthritis, reduced hand strength, tremors or limited movement.
If you have difficulty accessing your medication, please speak to our pharmacy team. We can discuss practical options that may make your medicines easier to manage.
Easy-to-open containers
Where suitable, we may be able to supply certain medicines in containers with easier-to-open lids. We can record this preference on your patient medication record so our team sees it when preparing future prescriptions.
Calendar packs
Some medicines are supplied by the manufacturer in calendar packs. These show the days of the week beside each tablet and can make it easier to check whether a dose has been taken.
Calendar packs should be kept intact so that the printed days, medicine information and expiry details remain available.
Tablet-popping aids
A tablet-popping aid may help people who find it difficult or painful to push tablets through foil blister packaging. The device holds the pack in position and helps press the tablet into a small collection compartment.
These devices may be helpful for people with:
- Arthritis or painful finger joints
- Reduced grip or hand strength
- Tremors
- Limited movement or dexterity
- Difficulty handling small tablets
Ask our pharmacy team to recommend a suitable tablet-popping device and demonstrate how to use it safely.
Important information
Easy-to-open containers are not child-resistant and may be unsuitable if children or vulnerable people could access the medication. All medicines should be stored securely and out of sight and reach of children.
Not every medicine can be transferred into another container. Some must remain in their original packaging to protect them from moisture, light or contamination.
Do not remove tablets from their packaging in advance unless advised that it is safe to do so. If a tablet is damaged, crushed or difficult to remove, ask the pharmacy for advice.
How to request support
Contact or visit your local McKay Pharmacy. We can record a preference for easy-open containers and help you choose a suitable tablet-popping aid or another form of medication support.
